BOSTON— Head coach Dave Flint of the Northeastern women's hockey team has announced that Melissa Piacentini will serve as an assistant coach ahead of the 2023-24 season. Piacentini has spent the past five seasons as the Huskies' director of hockey operations.
 
"Melissa has been an important part of our program the past five years and has contributed greatly to our success during that time," remarked Flint. "We are fortunate to be able to move her into a coaching role where she can utilize her knowledge and passion for the game of hockey and help us with the development of our student-athletes."
 
During her time as director of hockey operations, Piacentini coordinated all travel and scheduling for the team. She also assisted the coaching staff with video breakdown, recruiting and fundraising. 
 
With Piacentini on staff, the Huskies have won five-straight Hockey East Championships, appeared in three-straight frozen fours and captured two Beanpot titles.
 
"I am beyond thankful to Jim Madigan and Dave Flint for this opportunity," said Piacentini. "Northeastern has become a special place to me over the last five seasons, and I am excited and motivated to work with our players, coaches and staff in this new role."
 
From 2012-16, Piacentini racked up 112 career points with Syracuse, culminating in 2016 College Hockey America Player of the Year honors. After graduating from Syracuse in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in psychology, Piacentini went on to play professionally for the EV Bozen Eagles in Bolzano, Italy, helping the team capture the Italian league crown in 2017.
 
The Huskies open their 2023-24 slate with a two-game series against the reigning CHA Champion Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24.